Establishing the mood with a psychedelic introduction, akin to a mushroom trip, coupled with an astral strings arrangement, NEO 10Y opens ASCETIC HEDONIST with his signature brand of dimensionality. The opus expands with the lyrics, “Now we’re intertwined, on the edge of space and time…” before the first verse that taps into the main message of the song.
Fusing ethereal pop production with layered lyricism and metaphysical insight, ASCETIC HEDONIST is an intentional anthem for those navigating the space between discipline and desire. The track embodies NEO 10Y’s unique fusion of spiritual consciousness, futuristic aesthetics, and radical empowerment, offering a sonic landscape where sensuality becomes sacred and alignment is the ultimate pleasure. Building on a discography that’s amassed over 2 million streams, the artist returns with a high-concept track that explores the paradox of finding freedom in discipline.
Fierce drum hits punctuate the cerebral prose, and it is clear that as a practising yogi, certified reiki master, and lifelong student of universal wisdom, NEO 10Y has spent the past decade guiding audiences not just with music, but with a message: you are the universe, embodied. The evolution from pop to rock to a super trippy breakdown outro showcase dynamism and we are gripped throughout.
“ASCETIC HEDONIST is about being whole,” NEO 10Y explains. “It’s a transmission that explores the idea that long-term hedonism – true, meaningful pleasure – requires asceticism. There’s a powerful link between discipline and ecstasy. It reminds us that desire without self-awareness leads to decay. But with consciousness, we become creators of our own divine experience.”
The lyrics reflect a deeply introspective philosophy where self-mastery, intention, and pleasure are not opposing forces – but one unified energy. The song speaks to those ready to transcend outdated dualities and embrace a more integrated path to joy, purpose, and personal sovereignty.
The song’s message is amplified by its self-directed music video, shot on location in Hollywood and edited by NEO 10Y himself, with cinematography from Ryan Geary and additional footage by Sarah Hannaford. The video is a visual odyssey: part ceremony, part sci-fi rebirth — a mirror to the track’s metaphysical, cyber-spiritual soul.
With press acclaim from Billboard, Rolling Stone, BBC, Paper, Dazed, Interview, GQ, them, and the Evening Standard, and previous playlist support from Misfits, GLOW, Cosmic, and TRANSCEND, NEO 10Y continues to shape the sound of future-forward pop with substance.
Live, NEO 10Y has mesmerized audiences with immersive headline performances at iconic venues such as The Roundhouse and Troxy in London, and unforgettable sets at Secret Garden Party and West Hollywood Pride, as well as a standout performance for Billboard Magazine in New York City. Each show is a 360° sensory transmission – melding visual spectacle, ritualistic energy, and boundary‑shifting sound. These appearances are less concerts and more energetic ceremonies, inviting audiences into a portal of collective transformation. Tonight he will be launching ASCETIC HEDONIST at HEAVEN in London on the intentional date of 9/9/9(2025), aligning with the powerful numerology of angel number 999, which symbolizes completion, transformation, and higher calling.
Naturally, we have added ASCETIC HEDONIST to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream NEO 10Y‘s growing discography, including CHOOSE LOVE, ONENESS, Vapid Prophecy, Shortcut To World Peace, and more.